Westward, ho!

In 1864, Jonathan took time off from his duties as President. He and Charles Albert set off as part of a caravan for the West. Jonathan wished to see Montana and visit Salt Lake City. He wrote frequently, and many of his observations were published in his newspaper, The Christian Era.

After three months of hard travel that did little to improve Jonathan’s health, the caravan arrived in Virginia City, Idaho Territory. Jonathan and Charles caught a bit of the gold fever, purchased a claim, and for a few days panned for gold. They found the work hard and unrewarding and soon moved on to Salt Lake City.